exterior renovation

[Meredith]

I am planning to renovate the exterior of a 1984 Marshfield. I plan to put on new siding, new skirting , and new gutters. What would the proper process to follow to get the best results?

[Tracy]

Skirting first.. Your body panels are probably tucked away behind the starter strip. Then tackle your soffitt next

Depending on how your fascia and soffitt are attached to the body boards. If the eve overhangs the house you will see that by standing against the house and looking up where the soffitt meets the body panels they have nailed it on. What you don't see is that there is a trim board on the back side and once you remove the soffitt it will be attached to the body panels. This will have to be removed to take down the entire body panel for replacement.

Make sure you buy a good exterior caulking and apply it so no water can get behind ANY of your new trim boards. Good exterior paint and you should be in Great shape!

The gutters would probably be last.

Like I said, there are many ways to build a home. Once you start removing items, you will soon have a method down that you can learn from.

You should be able to do this in sections at a time, no need to worry about removing everything before you can get started. Plan this job for days of good, dry weather also.

Good Luck, and if you take pictures, let me know and well get them online for others to see the before and after shots.

Tracy
www.mbqc.com

[rmurray]

One word of caution...Do not throw the HUD seals away..Most good financing requires the HUD seal be affixed to the home...I am not sure how you can do this...maybe someone here can chime in with advise..

[Bill Fry]

I've just pop rivited them back on in their original places after siding replacement or repair.Their about 11 inches from the left and bottom of the siding facing the left front of the house and the same on the right side if facing the back of the house.(in most cases)

[Ryan Krueger]

My wife and I just bought a good size piece of land that has a 1974 moble home. It's in pretty good shape and it's good size (3 bed, 2 bath). We've done some cheep fixes such as painting interior walls and laying new carpet, but before we get too far into it, we're not sure if it would be in our best interest to knock it down and start over or would it be worth the money to fix it up? Siding, roofing, plumbing and electrict.
Also, is it easier to paint the exsisting siding or put new siding on? We've talked about putting a new metal roof over the exsisting roof, or should we replace the roof that's already on there?
If there is anyone out there that has some experience in this field, I would love to hear what you did and find out how much it cost. We plan on doing most of the work ourselves.
One last thing, is a place like Home Depot really the best place to go for parts or are there speciality stores?
Thanks you for any advice you might have.

[Tracy]

Ryan,

There are so many variables with your questions, but I think this may help sum it up.. Look at your investment so far, add all the repairs up with your labor figured in, and ask yourself if you sell it, will you still loose, or will you at least break even. I dont know about you, but I wouldnt take care of a home that wont take care of me in return!
Here is a link from others that have tackled projects and what they ask--and what others have answered.
http://www.mystops.com/discus/messages/ ... 1076113840

Good Luck

Sending me pictures of your existing home and its shape may help with others looking and giving some input as well.
Just click on my name for email

-Tracy
www.mbqc,com